Convenience or competition? Proposed bill could change where you buy wine and liquor
A proposed New York Senate bill that would allow grocery stores to sell wine and liquor is sparking debate between supermarket owners who support the added convenience and liquor store owners who fear it could hurt small businesses.
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A proposed New York state Senate bill that would allow grocery stores to sell wine and liquor is drawing mixed reactions from business owners and shoppers on Long Island.
Supporters of the measure say the change would make shopping more convenient for customers and help supermarkets boost sales.
Under current New York law, grocery stores can sell beer and certain wine-based beverages with less than 6% alcohol - but not wine or liquor.
“Selling wine is something I’d be super into," said Jon Iavarone, co-owner of Iavarone Brothers. “Weeks go by where customers ask for wine. I explain to them we only carry wine-based products. A lot of times it does not make the sale.”
But liquor store owners argue it could seriously hurt small businesses that rely almost entirely on alcohol sales.
“We cannot compete with a grocery store,” said Ramesh Chand, co-owner of Neighbors Wine & Spirits in Wantagh. “The grocery store will destroy all us small business owners.”
New York is one of just 10 states that still prohibit grocery stores from selling wine and liquor.
Chand says liquor stores depend on alcohol sales to survive, unlike supermarkets that sell a wide range of products.
“For them to have liquor doesn’t matter,” he said. “They have thousands of other products they can sell. We have these two products and we take pride in it.”
Some shoppers say they understand both sides of the debate.
“It would put them out of business, more than likely,” said Wantagh resident Frank Piacente. “Somebody won’t go here and then to the liquor store. They’ll just come here. I got mixed feelings about that.”
“I think it's a good idea. This way you can go to one store and get everything,” said Robert Amato. “But I think these liquor stores are great too.”
The bill still is still in committee and has yet to pass the state Senate and Assembly.
